Location
City of Westminster, London

Hours
Full Time - 37 hours per week

Salary
£46,040 per annum

About the Role
Founded in 1927 and based in the heart of London, the Royal College of Defence Studies (RCDS) is the senior college within the UK Defence Academy. Each year, RCDS educates over 100 senior military officers, diplomats, civilian officials, parliamentarians and industry leaders from nearly 50 countries in the art and science of strategy-making and leadership. We are seeking a new member of the Directing Staff to join our Global Strategy Programme (GSP) design and delivery team.

The GSP is an 11-month course focused on national, regional and global stability, security and prosperity at the grand strategic level. Its purpose is to equip graduates with a deep understanding of the international strategic context, strategic analysis and formulation skills, and the ability to work intuitively across national, cultural and ideological boundaries to lead or contribute to strategy development at the highest level.

Reporting to the Head of the GSP, the Directing Staff team of nine members is responsible for designing a stimulating programme and collaborating closely across Whitehall, the UK, and internationally to deliver world-renowned strategy education.

As one of six SEO Directing Staff, the Course Design & Delivery Lead manages a variable portfolio covering the detailed design, delivery and programming of GSP elements throughout the academic year, under senior guidance. Responsibilities include planning seminars, lectures, strategy case studies, leadership talks, study visits (UK and overseas), and strategy exercises such as week-long political simulations.

The role involves independent research and engagement across Whitehall and academia to identify new intellectual approaches, build partnerships and innovate course design. You will draft lecture specifications, identify and arrange expert external speakers from top universities, think tanks, NGOs, governments and the private sector, oversee course elements you design, and manage day-to-day administration and logistics. You will also assess feedback from Members and staff to inform continuous improvement. This is not a teaching role.

You will work closely with external organisations including NGOs, private sector companies, military units, local government, embassies and high commissions to plan, manage and deliver educational study tours such as EU and NATO visits to Brussels, UN and IGOs in Geneva, UK industry and technology centres, a UK Study Tour, and a three-week Overseas Study Tour (OST) to 2 or 3 countries in regions such as the Middle East, West Africa, Europe or East Asia.

The OST requires three weeks of detached duty each May/June, involving long days and potentially austere environments. These tours are among the most rewarding aspects of the GSP.

Main responsibilities include leading delivery of a designated course module, drafting documentation for Course Committee approval, planning module structure and programme, liaising with the Course Committee and Director of Academic Studies, engaging high-calibre expert speakers, ensuring seamless delivery of serials, building and maintaining networks, reviewing feedback to improve the course, planning and accompanying UK external activities, managing budgets, and delivering and accompanying Overseas Study Tours.

Additional duties may include developing and delivering Strategy Case Studies, Strategy Exercises or other learning activities for current and future GSP iterations.

This role is based in-person at the Royal College of Defence Studies in central London, housed in a historically significant listed building with limited accessibility due to its protected status.

Experience
A minimum of 3 years’ professional experience in a relevant field is required.

About you
Excellent interpersonal skills to liaise credibly with course members, lecturers, defence attachés, diplomats and external organisations.
Ability to work collaboratively within a multi-disciplinary team and maintain positive relationships.
Strong communication skills with the ability to negotiate and influence senior stakeholders.
Knowledge of and keen interest in the wider government, military and geopolitical landscape.
Strong administrative, organisational and planning skills with a proven ability to deliver outcomes on time and to a high standard in a fast-paced environment.
Effective writing skills to present complex information clearly to non-technical audiences.
Good cultural awareness and sensitivity.
Commitment to continuous professional development and contributing to team learning.
Ability to travel nationally and internationally for up to three weeks at a time.

Qualifications
There are no specific formal qualifications stated; however, relevant professional experience and skills as outlined above are essential.